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New High Sheriff takes on challenging times

A WOKING businessman has become the first
Muslim High Sheriff of Surrey.

Shahid Azeem was installed in an online ceremony with each participant in a separate location because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Shahid Azeem after his installation as High Sheriff of Surrey. Picture by Andy Newbold.

Mr Azeem said: “This moment is a huge
privilege but at a time of national crisis, it is also a huge responsibility.

“We have had time in our nation’s history
where moments like this – installation ceremonies which have been annual events
in Surrey since 1080 – have occasionally been cancelled because of civil war, a
rebellion, and the threat we face today is no less serious.

“So while I’m disappointed in not sharing
this moment with friends and family, I know that it’s a small sacrifice to
ensure we keep people safe and save lives.

“These are unprecedented times and more
than ever we need community, we need bridge builders and those that provide the
glue that hold communities together.

“As the High Sheriff I will ensure I am a
voice for the police, the prison service, courts, the third sector and
charities during my tenure”

Caroline Breckell, MVO, was appointed as
Under Sheriff and Rev Philip Simpson and Imam Hafiz Hashmi, from the Shah Jahan
Mosque in Woking, are Mr Azeem’s two chaplains.

He has lived in Surrey since 1969 and
suffered racism while at school, leading to him being expelled.

Mr Azeem wanted to become a footballer but,
after breaking his leg, moved into IT, working in the public and private sector
before starting his own business.

Mr Azeem lives in Woking with his wife,
Sameena, and has two grown-up sons and a daughter. He is chairman of Aldershot
Town FC.

He said: “I have always lived and breathed
Surrey. It’s where I arrived, it is what has shaped me.

“I am grateful for what Surrey has offered
me and made me – a part of the fabric of Surrey’s society.

“I am now being given the opportunity to
play my part in supporting and strengthening that society. This is a year where
the importance of community has never been more vital.”

Mr Azeem has three main aims for his
Shrieval year.

In memory of his best friend, Barry
Hitchcock, who died last year, he wants to set up with the Surrey Coroner a
non-intrusive postmortem scanning and public mortuary, giving loved ones
dignity in death.

His next project is to develop an app that
tackles hunger and food waste.

He is also working with Spice Village
restaurants and Pakistani students from London School of Economics to provide
one million free meals to frontline key workers during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Azeem will also promote the Community
Foundation for Surrey’s Sports Fund, with a programme of events to raise funds
to support people to pursue a career in sport.

His appointment was praised by Lord-Lieutenant
of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, who described him as “a great example of what
can be achieved with a sense of purpose, energy, values and a desire to give,
rather than just receive”.

The High Commissioner for Pakistan, Mohammad
Nafees Zakaria, said: “This is an apt recognition of your achievements and
valuable contribution to the British society.”

David Bittleston, the leader of Woking
Borough Council, said: “Having known Shahid for many years, I know his
commitment to Surrey’s communities will be invaluable when upholding this
important and ancient role during these unprecedented and challenging times.”